Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2, if you are buying new. The JBL Partybox Encore ranks higher than the ION Pathfinder 280 (#7 vs #100 of 112 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Partybox Encore 2, is rated 4.4/5 at $330 and is still sold new.
The ION Pathfinder 280 is the longer-running pick. A wheeled all day event speaker with a very long battery, lights, FM radio and a full graphic EQ that gets loud without strain. It is rated for 100 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. Watch for: Out of the box, the midrange and treble are uneven enough to sound alternately honky and dull, and the bass does not extend as deeply as better party speakers.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used. Its bass reaches about 38Hz before falling 10dB, against 58Hz for the ION Pathfinder 280. At 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) it weighs much less than the ION Pathfinder 280 at 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg). It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the ION Pathfinder 280 cannot. Watch for: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Partybox Encore; it is rated higher for sound quality than the ION Pathfinder 280.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A wheeled all day event speaker with a very long battery, lights, FM radio and a full graphic EQ that gets loud without strain.
A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ION Pathfinder 280 | JBL Partybox Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $230 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #100 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| EQ | Yes (High/Low frequency) | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 120W | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
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